Catheter connector insert

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a catheter connector assembly having an insert for use during packaging, shipping, and handling of a catheter connector. The assembly includes a catheter connector having a body with a first half axially aligned with a second half. The first half is rotatable relative to the second half between an open position and a closed position. The first half defines a distal end of the body and the second half defines a proximal end of the body. A proximal end port is configured with the proximal end of the second half for mating communication with a fluid delivery device. The insert is configured with the body when the body is in the open position such that the insert maintains the catheter connector in the open position during packaging, shipping, and handling of the catheter connector.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of medicalcatheters and more particularly to inserts for catheter connectors forusing during packaging, shipping, and handling.

BACKGROUND

The use of catheters to deliver or withdraw fluids from a patient forvarious medical procedures is well known. For example, U.S. Pat. No.7,959,623 describes a pain management system that uses variousembodiments of infusion catheters to deliver fluid medication from apump, through tubing, to a wound site. With such configurations,catheter connectors are typically used to connect the catheter tovarious devices, such as tubing, a fluid reservoir or other fluiddelivery device, and so forth. In the system of the '623 patent, aconventional Tuohy-Borst connector is used to connect the distal end ofa medical tube to the proximal end of the catheter.

In addition to Tuohy-Borst connectors, various other configurations ofcatheter connectors are available. For example, Epimed International ofFarmers Branch, Tex., U.S.A., manufactures a low profile twist-lockcatheter connector known as the “Stingray™” connector. This device hasaxially aligned halves that twist to an open position to allow insertionof the catheter in a first half, and subsequently twist to a closedposition with an audible and tactile click that indicates completeengagement with the catheter. The second half connects to a tube orother fluid delivery device for delivering fluid through the connectorto the catheter. Further, between the two halves is a molded bushingthat includes an inner elastomeric tube that compresses and grips thecatheter when the connector is in a closed position.

During packaging, shipping, and handling of the Stingray™ connector, aswell as other connectors having a similar configuration, it is importantfor the connector to remain in an open position because, if theconnector closes, the locking jaws will stay in the closed position andwill not allow the catheter to be inserted therethrough. Morespecifically, when the connector is in a closed position, the two halvespush inward to squeeze the inner elastomeric tube over the catheter.Since, the connector is typically made of a soft plastic, the moldedbushing and inner elastomeric tube can lose their strength when in theclosed position. As such, even when the load is removed, the innerdiameter of the elastomeric tube may be smaller, which can inhibit thecatheter from being inserted easily therethrough.

Accordingly, an insert designed to keep a catheter connector, such as aStingray™ connector, in the open position during packaging, shipping,and handling would be welcomed in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In certain aspects, the present invention relates to a catheterconnector assembly for use during packaging, shipping, and handling of acatheter connector. The assembly includes a catheter connector having abody with a first half axially aligned with a second half. The firsthalf is rotatable relative to the second half between an open positionand a closed position. The first half defines a distal end of the bodyand the second half defines a proximal end of the body. A proximal endport is configured with the proximal end of the second half for matingcommunication with a fluid delivery device. An insert is configured withthe body when the body is in the open position such that the insertmaintains the catheter connector in the open position during packaging,shipping, and handling of the catheter connector.

In one embodiment, the insert is configured to fit within the first andsecond halves of the body when the first half is in the open positionsuch that the insert maintains the catheter connector in the openposition. More specifically, in a particular embodiment, the insert mayinclude a rod-shaped member configured to fit within the first andsecond halves when the first half is in the open position such that theinsert maintains the catheter connector in the open position. Inaddition, the insert may also include a tab member configured with therod-shaped member. The tab member is configured to extend outside of thecatheter connector when the rod-shaped member is inserted within thefirst and second halves of the body. As such, the tab member isconfigured to assist a user with removing the insert from the catheterconnector. In additional embodiments, the open position is defined bythe first half being rotated relative to the second half at anapproximately 45-degree angle.

In another embodiment, the insert may be configured to fit at leastpartially around an exterior surface of the body of the connector whenthe body is in the open position such that the insert maintains thecatheter connector in the open position. More specifically, in aparticular embodiment, the insert may further include a housing having ahollow interior. The hollow interior has a shape that corresponds to anexterior shape of the catheter connector in the open position. Thus, atleast a portion of the catheter connector is configured to fit withinthe housing of the insert when the catheter connector is in the openposition such the insert maintains the catheter connector in the openposition during packaging, shipping, and handling.

In such an embodiment, the insert may also include one or more lockingfeatures configured to secure the insert at least partially around theexterior surface of the connector. For example, in various embodiments,the locking features may include at least one of or a combination of thefollowing: molded snaps, add-on grips, ridges, protrusions, an adhesive,or similar.

In additional embodiments, the insert may be constructed of a rigidmaterial. In various embodiments, the rigid material includes at leastone of or a combination of the following: a plastic material,polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyester, epoxy resins,phenolic resins, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a metal, or any other rigidor semi-rigid material.

In further aspects, the present invention relates to an insert for acatheter connector for use during packaging, shipping, and handling ofthe catheter connector. The insert includes a rod-shaped memberconfigured to fit within the catheter connector. The catheter connectorhas a body with a first half axially aligned with a second half. Thefirst half is rotatable relative to the second half between an openposition and a closed position. Thus, the rod-shaped member isconfigured to fit within the first and second halves when the catheterconnector is in the open position such that the insert maintains thecatheter connector in the open position during packaging, shipping, andhandling of the catheter connector. It should be understood that theinsert may also include any of the additional features as describedherein.

In still additional aspects, the present invention relates to an insertfor a catheter connector for use during packaging, shipping, andhandling of the catheter connector. The insert includes a housingconfigured to fit at least partially around an exterior surface of thecatheter connector. Further, the catheter connector has a body with afirst half axially aligned with a second half. The first half isrotatable relative to the second half between an open position and aclosed position. The housing includes a hollow interior having a shapethat corresponds to an exterior shape of the catheter connector in theopen position. Thus, at least a portion of the catheter connector isconfigured to fit within the housing of the insert when in the openposition such the insert maintains the catheter connector in the openposition during packaging, shipping, and handling of the catheterconnector. It should be understood that the insert may also include anyof the additional features as described herein.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a catheterconnector of conventional construction in a closed position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the catheter connector of FIG.1 in an open position;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the catheter connector of FIG.1 separated into two halves to illustrate various internal components ofthe connector;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of an insert fora catheter connector in accordance with aspects of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the insert ofFIG. 4 configured with a catheter connector in accordance with aspectsof the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of an insertfor a catheter connector in accordance with aspects of the invention;and

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the insert ofFIG. 6 configured with a catheter connector in accordance with aspectsof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to one or more embodiments of theinvention, examples of the invention, examples of which are illustratedin the drawings. Each example and embodiment is provided by way ofexplanation of the invention, and is not meant as a limitation of theinvention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of oneembodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a furtherembodiment. It is intended that the invention include these and othermodifications and variations as coming within the scope and spirit ofthe invention.

The positional terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein to orientthe various components relative to each other and to the patient.“Distal” refers to the direction that is closest to the wound site(e.g., the distal end of the connector is the end oriented towards acatheter insertion site), and “proximal” refers to the oppositedirection (e.g., the proximal end of the catheter is inserted into thedistal end of the connector).

Generally, the present disclosure is directed to a catheter connectorassembly having an insert that maintains a catheter connector in an openposition during packaging, shipping, and handling. More specifically,the assembly includes a catheter connector, e.g. a Stingray™ connector,having a body with a first half axially aligned with a second half. Thefirst half is rotatable relative to the second half between an openposition and a closed position. The first half defines a distal end ofthe body and the second half defines a proximal end of the body. Aproximal end port is configured with the proximal end of the second halffor mating communication with a fluid delivery device. The insert isconfigured with the body when the body is in the open position such thatthe insert maintains the catheter connector in the open position duringpackaging, shipping, and handling of the catheter connector.

The present disclosure has many advantages not present in the prior art.For example, the insert provides a simple, easy-to-use component thatmaintains a catheter connector in an open position during packaging,shipping, and handling. As such, the internal components of the catheterconnector are not compromised before being used for a patient. Inaddition, the insert is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and can beused in conjunction with many catheter connectors, such as the Stingray™connector as described herein.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate various views of oneembodiment of a catheter connector 10 that can be used in conjunctionwith the insert of the present disclosure. As shown, the catheterconnector 10 includes a body 16 having a proximal end 18 and distal end20. The body 16 has a first half 22 axially aligned with a second half24. The first half 22 defines a distal end 20 of the body 16 and thesecond half 24 defines a proximal end 18 of the body 16. A proximal endport 14 is configured with the proximal end 18 of the second half 24 formating communication with a fluid delivery device (not shown). Asmentioned, the fluid delivery device may be any suitable device known inthe art, such as a pump, reservoir, syringe, or the like. Further, theproximal end port 14 may have any conventional configuration, such as aLuer-lock fitting.

The first half 22 is rotatable relative to the second half 24 between anopen position (FIG. 2) and a closed position (FIG. 1). Morespecifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the first half 22 may include abushing 25 extending from an interior surface 23 thereof. In certainembodiments, an elastomeric tube 27 may be configured within the bushing25. Further, the second half 24 may include a corresponding cavity 29configured to receive the bushing 25 therein. Thus, the axially alignedhalves 22, 24 of the connector 10 are configured to twist to the openposition (FIG. 2) to allow insertion of a catheter through a catheterinsertion hole 15 in the first half 22, and subsequently twist to aclosed position (FIG. 1) with an audible and tactile click thatindicates complete engagement with the catheter. More specifically, theelastomeric tube 27 within the bushing 25 compresses and grips thecatheter when the connector 10 is in the closed position (FIG. 1). Incertain embodiments, the open position is defined by the first half 22being rotated relative to the second half 24 at an approximately45-degree angle. In further embodiments, the first half 22 may berotated to any suitable angle relative to the second half 24.

Referring to FIG. 4, one embodiment of an insert 26 configured tomaintain the catheter connector 10 of FIGS. 1-3 in an open positionduring packaging, shipping, and handling is illustrated. As shown, theinsert 26 includes a rod-shaped member 28 and a tab member 30. Therod-shaped member 28 has proximal end 31 and a distal end 33. Further,the rod-shaped member 28 is shaped such that the proximal end 31 can beinserted through the catheter connector 10 when the connector 10 is inan open position. For example, in one embodiment, the rod-shaped member28 may have a substantially circular cross-section so as to correspondwith the cross-sectional shape of a catheter. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5,a portion of the rod-shaped member 28 may be inserted through the firstand second halves 22, 24 of the catheter connector 10 through thecatheter insertion hole 15 so as to maintain the connector 10 in an openposition. In addition, as shown, the tab member 30 is configured withthe distal end 33 of the rod-shaped member 28 such that the tab member30 extends outside of the distal end 20 of the catheter connector 10when the rod-shaped member 28 is inserted within the first and secondhalves 22, 24 of the connector 10. Thus, the tab member 30 is configuredto assist a user with removing the insert 26 from within the catheterconnector 10 (e.g. after the connector 10 has been shipping and is readyto be used with a catheter that is inserted into a patient).

Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of an insert 46 configuredto maintain the catheter connector 10 of FIGS. 1-3 in an open positionduring packaging, shipping, and handling is illustrated. As shown, theinsert 46 is configured to fit at least partially around an exteriorsurface of the body 16 of the connector 10 when the body 16 is in theopen position such that the insert 46 maintains the catheter connector10 in the open position. For instance, as shown in the illustratedembodiment, the insert 46 includes a housing 32 having a hollow interior34 that is shaped so as to correspond to an exterior shape of thecatheter connector 10 when the connector 10 is in the open position.More specifically, in certain embodiments, the housing 32 includes aplurality of compartments 38 that correspond to the rotated first andsecond halves 22, 24 in the open position. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, atleast a portion of the catheter connector 10 is configured to fit withinthe housing 32 when the connector 10 is in the open position such thatthe insert 46 maintains the catheter connector 10 in the open positionduring packaging, shipping, and handling.

Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the insert 46 may also include one ormore locking features 36 configured to secure the insert 46 at leastpartially around the exterior surface of the body 16 of the connector10. For example, in certain embodiments, the locking features 36 mayinclude any one of or combination of the following: molded snaps, add-ongrips, ridges, protrusions, an adhesive, or similar.

It should also be understood that the inserts 26, 46 as described hereinmay be constructed of any suitable material. For example, in certainembodiments, the inserts 26, 46 may be constructed of a rigid orsemi-rigid material, such as a metal or a hard plastic. Morespecifically, the inserts 26, 46 may be constructed of polypropylene,polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyester, epoxy resins, phenolic resins,polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or any other suitable polymer material. Inaddition, the inserts 26, 46 may be constructed of aluminum, copper,stainless steel, or any other suitable metal. In some embodiments, theinserts 26, 46 may also be constructed of a flexible or semi-flexiblematerial, such as a rubber material, a polymeric material, a siliconematerial, an elastomeric material, or similar. More specifically, invarious embodiments, the inserts 26, 46 may be constructed ofpolyisoprene, polyurethane, styrene butadiene, and/or any other suitableflexible material.

While the present invention has been described in connection withcertain preferred embodiments it is to be understood that the subjectmatter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limitedto those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended for thesubject matter of the invention to include all alternatives,modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit andscope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A catheter connector assembly, comprising: acatheter connector comprising a body having a first half axially alignedwith a second half, said first half rotatable relative to said secondhalf between an open position and a closed position, said first halfdefining a distal end of said body and said second half defining aproximal end of said body; a proximal end port configured with saidproximal end of said body for mating communication with a fluid deliverydevice; and an insert comprising an axially-extending rod-shaped memberfitting within said first and second halves of said body when said bodyis in said open position such that said insert maintains said catheterconnector in said open position during packaging, shipping, and handlingof the catheter connector, the rod-shaped member having a longitudinalaxis extending along a longitudinal axis of the first and second halvesof said body.
 2. The catheter connector assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid insert further comprises a tab member at a distal end of saidrod-shaped member, said tab member extending outside of said catheterconnector when said rod-shaped member is inserted within said first andsecond halves of said body, said tab member configured to assist a userwith removing said insert from said catheter connector.
 3. The catheterconnector assembly of claim 1, wherein said open position comprises saidfirst half being rotated relative to said second half at anapproximately 45-degree angle.
 4. The catheter connector assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said insert is constructed of a rigid material.
 5. Thecatheter connector assembly of claim 4, wherein said rigid materialcomprises at least one of or a combination of the following: a plasticmaterial, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyester, epoxyresins, phenolic resins, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or metal.